Glass Bottles

Many years ago, glass baby bottles were the norm. Then, glass bottles gave way to plastic bottles, which are still very popular today. However, many parents are once again choosing to use glass bottles over plastic.

The main reason that parents choose glass over plastic is that they fear that chemicals from the plastic will be absorbed into the baby’s milk and ingested by baby. In fact, Bisphenol A, a substance found in polycarbonate bottles has been linked by scientists to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes and hyperactivity. About 90% of the plastic baby bottles on the market today are polycarbonate plastic bottles. As with other baby bottles and baby foods, polycarbonate bottles are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA and other entities have done extensive research on these plastic bottles and have again and again found them safe for use. Not only has the FDA done extensive testing on the polycarbonate used to make baby bottles, but the plastics industry itself has commissioned independent researchers to study polycarbonate plastics and test them for safety.

The choice is up to you. If you’re uncomfortable about using plastic baby bottles, you can always switch to glass bottles. Today, glass bottles are once again easy to find and available in several styles and sizes. Many parents report that glass bottles are easier to clean than plastic bottles, and many parents believe that glass bottles sanitize more easily.

However, glass baby bottles have a few disadvantages over plastic. The first is that they break. Once your child is old enough to walk, it’s really not safe to have him wandering the house carrying around a glass baby bottle. In addition, glass bottles are heavier, making them more likely to be dropped. Glass bottles hold more heat, making them more likely to burn mom’s hands as she’s preparing or feeding milk. Finally, glass bottles are more expensive than plastic bottles.

Each parent should choose the bottles that best fit their lifestyle and preferences. Consider how and where you’ll use baby bottles, as well as how you prefer to clean the bottles and how much cleaning you’re willing to do. Glass bottles have been used to feed babies for centuries, and work just as well today, without any worry about chemical substances. However, today’s plastic bottles provide the convenience of being unbreakable along with being reported safe for use by the FDA.